At A Glance

Where

Timberline Lodge, OR

Ski resorts across the Pacific Northwest are popping open this week, thanks to recent storms over last weekend that dropped up to three feet of snow in some areas. Whistler Mountain is opening Nov. 14 with Whistler Village Gondola, Big Red Express, Emerald Express, and Franz's Chair all open and Blackcomb Mountain following on Nov. 26.

Timberline Lodge led the region's ski areas in opening first and claims the spot as the first to open in Oregon this season. The resort on Mt. Hood opened Nov. 7 with three of seven lifts running. Molly's, Bruno's, and Pucci ran with the upper and western lifts-Stormin'Norman, Palmer, Jeff Flood, and Magic Mile-on hold awaiting more snow. Thunder Freestyle terrain also opened.

Meanwhile, Pacific Northwest resorts across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia are cranking up their lifts this week.

Timberline's neighboring, Mt. Hood Meadows in Oregon, plans to open Nov. 11, much earlier than usual. Park crews announced that they will be setting up rails in the Shipyard for opening day, but details on lifts, runs, and schedules will be available later on Tuesday.

Crystal Mountain, Washington, also bounced its opening earlier due to early season dumps, making it the first resort to open in Washington state. The resort plans to open Nov. 11, running four lifts-Discovery, Chinook Express, Forest Queen, and Quicksilver-with reduced rates on lift tickets. Adult tickets will cost $30 and youth tickets $25 on Wednesday. The resort may also open Rainier Express and Green Valley lifts on Thursday.

Mt. Baker also bumped up its opening date to Nov. 12. The resort will run with normal midweek operation out of the White Salmon Base Area on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., with midweek rates in effect. Adult tickets cost $39.50, includes tax. Baker plans to open Chairs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, but to be in full operation for the weekend with all of its lifts running and both base areas open.

Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia is also opening a week ahead of schedule on Nov. 14 - the first resort to open in the province. The resort plans to celebrate the number 14 by opening the Sunburst Chairlift 14 minutes early at 8:46 a.m. Free lift tickets are also available on opening day for those with birthday's on Nov. 14. Lift tickets on opening day will cost $14 for 14-year-olds, those living in homes or apartments with the number 14, and those with wedding anniversaries on Nov. 14. Group lessons on opening day also will cost $14.

Other resorts are considering early openings. Watch snow reports on Onthesnow.com for when operations start up.